Pastor's Blog

The Lord blessed us with a really nice day in our services yesterday.  We had another profession of faith and the attendance was very good in all three services.  Clint Landry preached in the evening service and, if you didn’t know, a pulpit committee was in attendance to hear him.  Clint is one of our “preacher boys” and I ask you to join me in praying for the Lord’s will in his life.

Speaking of our “preacher boys”, John Vickers has been called to 1st Baptist Jackson, MS as a summer intern in their student ministry.  He joined their church by “watchcare” yesterday morning.  Wes Bates will fly to New York this Saturday, 5/15/ to preach a series of revival services beginning on Sunday, 5/16.  I am proud of these young men and ask that you pray for them too.

Bro. Benny McGath has felt impressed of the Lord to begin using one of our buses to help transport folks to the Spanish service on Sunday afternoons.  If you will help with this ministry, please contact him.  I think it is a great opportunity to help grow this ministry numerically.

We got the hospitals almost completely emptied out this weekend and then Pattie Suthoff was readmitted last night.  Faith Hovel is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital today.  Edna H. Glover’s brother, James Miller, had surgery on his hip in Laurel, MS yesterday.  Susan B. Quinn received her first chemotherapy treatment yesterday afternoon.  Bill Abendroth is home.  Lois Kirschenman was in our 8:00AM service yesterday.  Oscar Petersen & Donnie Felps continue to recover at home from their respective heart surgeries.  Carla Kyser & Miss Joyce Bosarge continue to battle their respective cancer.  As far as I know, there is not change in Jayne English’s situation.  The student from Jeanette Bates’ class received his halo as a part of his first surgery. Rita Vice is scheduled for surgery tomorrow afternoon and Ruby Gulley is scheduled for Wednesday.  Pray for all of these folks.

I received word last night that Pastor Ron Burch’s (formerly of 1st Theodore) wife passed away over the weekend and he received word yesterday that his mother wasn’t expected to live through the day.  Ron now pastors in the Vicksburg, MS area.  Pray for this family.

We are beginning Phase IV of the CAB renovation this morning at 8:00AM as the “old guys” have at it again.  We are on schedule to complete the upstairs by the end of May.  Thanks to John Curl & Kenny Lingle for the paint work on Phase III and to Bro. Benny for the clean up duty!  (Folks, there is always a need to help with clean up!)  We will soon have to make a decision about the banister and then we will be ready to move downstairs at some point in June or July.

Nice call Joe David as the Suns swept the Spurs!  The Lakers need to take the broom to Utah tonight.  It was good to see that the Celtics evened their series with the Cavs.  (Is there any way they both can lose?)  Right now, the Magic appear unstoppable.

Here is your NHL hockey update combined with the FIFA soccer update –

How about Soy?  Word came from the team (I’m being honest) that Soy was “pouting” on Friday as whoever fixed his PB&J sandwich at lunch didn’t cut it into triangles – wow!

Gotta go get some stuff done before the work day commences!  Hope you have a great Monday with Jesus.

LM4LM is coming!

This entry is late and for that I apologize.  Doing my Joe David Bailey impersonation.

Pattie Suthoff was better yesterday and they did not open her wound again.  She “could” go home this weekend.  Her spirit was excellent.  She told me Gage was ending this round of radiation today.

Bill Abendroth was to receive two units of blood yesterday.  The doctors felt this would be an immediate “pick up” for him.  He continues to have an excellent attitude.

Soy and the team made it safely to Guatemala.  He called last night and wanted to know if I would send him a picture of his dog – what’s up with that?  Louise & Nana Laurie have their hands full for the next three weeks!

Did you see where the five students in California were sent home from high school this past Wednesday because they were wearing shirts with the American flag on them?  The school officials said it was a Mexican holiday (actually it is a regional holiday in the state of Puebla) and they didn’t want to take away from it or have problems.  Hello, we live in the United States of America!  I have zero problem with folks from other countries being here but I have a major problem being told we cannot display our flag in our country!  The students did nothing wrong and did not violate any school policy.  This political correctness has us in a bind!  Next news you know they will telling us you can’t say “Roll Tide” if an Auburn fan is in your presence!

Gotta go cut grass.  It is not even 7:30AM and Charles has already called and just “happened” to mention that his grass has really grown this week.

I pray you will have a great Friday with Jesus.

It is my understanding that they are going to open the wound on Pattie Suthoff’s hand again today.  She is really having a time with this staff infection. 

Bill Abendroth remains hospitalized.  Bro. Jerry saw him yesterday and he had a bad night on Tuesday.  I plan on seeing him today.

The doctors told Susan Quinn that the two spots are malignant.  However, they feel they were there all along and just missed on the original tests.  She will begin chemotherapy as soon as they can regulate her white cell count. 

One of Jeanette Bates’ students, Dylan Alcorn, will have surgery today in Birmingham. 

Amy Huhn is having outpatient surgery tomorrow.  Thea told me last night that her grandmother, Miss Joyce Bosarge, wasn’t feeling real good. 

Tonight is the mother/daughter banquet in the fellowship hall.  I am not sure what time it begins but it is before midnight! 

Soy left this morning bound for three weeks in Guatemala.  He wanted me to take him to the airport so, reluctantly, I did.  It was okay until he asked me to walk with him to his gate.  He doesn’t understand the whole security thing.  He tried to get some guy to take our picture.  I left!  Soy was crying and wanted a hug but I left! 

Anyway, he will be working with the first three teams of the summer with the first one arriving in Guatemala today.  This marks the beginning of 14 consecutive weeks with a team in Guatemala which will be our busiest summer ever.  God is good!

Marisa Felps and Grand Bay Auto Supply have been so kind to GRACE Ministreis over the years.  The blue truck needs a part which GBAS provided for GRACE.  I really appreciate Marisa’s heart for the ministry.

Here is my hockey update –

Interesting story – we needed to borrow a computer program from Danville Baptist Church.  Mandy Bowling is one of the ministry assistants there and she had created the password to get into the program.  She e-mailed it to me and it was – mickeyminniedonaldgoofymontgomery.  Seemed odd to me so I asked her why that password.  Her reply was that when setting it up it asked for four characters and at least one capital.  Wow!

By the way, the Celtics didn’t beat the Cavs last night since they didn’t play.  The teams are getting 12 days off between games.  No wonder the Finals are scheduled for August! 

Jason, I won’t say anything negative about Pastor Jack.  However, Joe David told me he goes in at 11, takes lunch from 12 to 3, and then knocks off around 4.  Says he stays real busy!  It is a wonder that he ever blogs but he is real inconsistent! 

I pray that you will have a great Thursday with Jesus.

Wow, Pattie Suthoff’s situation seemingly changes day by day.  I went to see her yesterday and had to put on the gown, gloves, et cetera only to find her sleeping very soundly.  They are now talking of keeping her hospitalized for another week or so and changing her antibiotic.  Some thought that her infection may have started with an insect bite. 

Bill Abendroth was placed in the hospital Monday afternoon due to a very low white blood cell count.  His attitude is great but he isn’t feeling too great.

Eula Mae e-mailed last night to say that one of Susan’s lungs collasped during a procedure yesterday.  They are supposed to get the results of a biopsy today, so pray.

Donnie Felps went back to work on Monday and tried again yesterday but he had to come home early because of being too tired.  I saw Vinnie Brewer yesterday and she said Oscar is still not bouncing back as quickly as he would like.  I reminded her that he is 86 years old!  Faith Hovel is still on the fast track to getting out of the hospital.  Carla Kyser is battling some sores related to her chemo treatment.

Lisa got home last night and she is not a happy camper.  I totally ruined one Faith Academy shirt in the wash.  I say school is almost out for the year and they sell those shirts every day. 

The officials are now talking of possibly opening the red snapper season earlier than previously announced.  Obviously, the concern is much greater for the commercial fisherman than for those of us who fish recreationally.  I hope they do what is best for those guys who depend on the fishing industry for their financial livelihood. 

The Lakers were able to beat the Jazz again last night to take a 2-0 series lead.  Can the Celtics beat the Cavs again tonight? 

Steve Osborn from the Love The Child Children’s Home in Guatemala will be our special guest during our 7:00PM service tonight.  Steve is a good friend to GRACE Ministries and our church family.  We have this ministry in our budget and I look forward to an update tonight. 

I will be preaching my “Rambo” message this morning.  I hope to be joined by many members of the Friendship family in our respective services. 

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus!

Bro. Jerry e-mailed last night to say that Faith is free of all wires, iv’s, et cetera and “could” be at home within a week – what a miracle!  He credits the power of prayer! 

I made a mistake!  (I know folks like Jason & JD are in a state of shock right now but it is true!)  I said Pattie was coming home yesterday but she did not!  However, she is supposed to be discharged today and will be out of work for a month.  I am going to try and see her this morning before she leaves the hospital. 

Glenn Cooper’s dad (Glenn Cooper) did go home from the hospital on Saturday.  He is recovering but still needs our prayers. 

Go Celtics!  (Can you believe I just wrote those words?  Reb is beside herself!)  I am NOT a fan of the Celtics but I would like to see them beat the Cavs!  I admire Lebron’s abilities but don’t like him that much.  Plus, I figure the Lakers could destroy the Celtics but the Cavs could be another story!  Go Russell, Havlicek, Bird, Cowens, et cetera!

I was pulling for the Spurs last night but they let me down.  I am not a Steve Nash fan at all!  Never have been! 

What was for supper?  I got home from “work” at 4:30PM and had a meeting beginning at 6:00PM.  Hien has a cold so I had to go to the drugstore to get her some medicine.  The clock was ticking!  So, we had fried shrimp, fried oysters, baked beans, potato salad, french fries, and rolls.  Fried the shrimp & oysters outside so the smell wouldn’t linger in the house!  JD, hamburger helper?  Please!  You are dealing with a real “Mr. Mom” here!  (Plus, I took Gina to the dentist yesterday afternoon!)  Could I possibly win “Mom of the year” this coming Sunday?  (I will not accept!) 

Still praying about the situation in the Gulf with the oil.  Also, praying for those folks in TN who are dealing with the flood waters.  Ross & Betty Clair got out just in the nick of time! 

Mark Mast & Jerry Whitmore – I am working on a hockey update.  In the meanwhile, there is paint drying in the gym if you want to watch!

Lisa comes home tonight – hooray!  Is supper my responsibility or does it revert back to her? 

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus.

God is good!  We had a wonderful day in our services yesterday.  What a joy to see three folks make a profession of faith from the previous Sunday and two others come to accept Jesus as their personal Savior during the respective invitations.  What a like joy to see six young men follow the Lord in believer’s baptism.  God gives the increase and we give Him the glory!

Susan Quinn was admitted to the hospital last night and may have pneumonia which could be a good thing.  Huh?  It is possible those new spots they saw were pneumonia and not cancer.  Pray that this would be true and that they can treat the pneumonia quickly and effectively.

Pattie Suthoff should be discharged from the hospital today.  As far as I know, there has been no significant change in Jayne English’s situation.  Faith Hovel is making strides in her recovery.  Bill Abendroth is losing weight at a rapid pace.  Miss Joyce Bosarge & Carla Kyser continue to battle their respective cancer.  Lois Kirschenman is scheduled to begin her radiation treatments today.  Ruby & Sharon’s brother, John, also continues to battle his cancer.  Barbara Kelley’s mother, Miss Dottie Fore, is in the hospital too.

The situation with the oil spill in the Gulf is of a major concern to all of us.  We have already seen a number of folks lose their jobs as a result.  The economic impact is going to be huge in places like Bayou La Batre.  Pray that a solution can be put in place soon.

Mark Harris will be our guest on Sunday, 5/23, for the evening service.  I am excited about this opportunity and pray that it will be a tremendous worship experience!  Pass the word!

Life is good as the Lakers beat the Jazz yesterday afternoon.  Life is not so good as those Celtics had the Cavs on the ropes Saturday night but let them off!  Is there any way the Celtics & Cavs can both lose?  LOL!

Jerry Whitmore is looking for equal time for the NHL playoffs.  We don’t seek to appease “Yankees” on this site.  LOL II!

Speaking of non-sports, Bro. Jerry Whitmore has been given the task of preparing a soccer field.  Stan Hatcher & Morris Bryant have offered to assist him.  We’ll see where it goes.

I am playing Mr. Mom for a couple of days as Lisa is out of town on business.  She left yesterday afternoon which meant supper had to be fixed last night and now the girls have to be gotten off to school.  What am I going to fix for supper tonight?

I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.

Little Faith Hovel was able to have a bowel movement yesterday which is an answer to prayer.  Praise the Lord!

Eula Mae Blackmon e-mailed me during the night asking that we pray fervently for Susan as a couple of new spots have been located.

Pattie Suthoff is better and should be discharged from the hospital tomorrow.

I pray that the members of the Friendship family will be involved in our services today.

I pray that you will have a great Sunday with Jesus.

Bro. Jerry e-mailed me during the night with an update on Faith Hovel.  She is eating some but she is not having bowel movements.  This is a serious concern and the family asks that you join them in praying fervently.

Pattie Suthoff was admitted to the hospital with a staff infection in one of her fingers.  The funeral service for Pastor Mike Soesbe will take place today in Foley, AL.  Pray for these folks.

There is great concern over the oil in the Gulf and rightfully so.  However, I hope we don’t lose sight of the fact that 11 families lost loved ones during that tragedy last weekend.  Pray for them.  Pray that this oil situation can be resolved too.

Heading to the Broome family reunion in Richton, MS today.  Hope you have a great day!

P.S. – Life is good as the Lakers stole OKC’s Thunder last night!  (I don’t think they will win it all b/c of injuries and they just haven’t been playing well since the All Star break)  Bring on the Jazz!